John Yarmuth to have big say on two federal judges

9:18 PM,
Nov. 11, 2012

U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth was re-elected.

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As the lone surviving Democrat in Kentucky's congressional delegation, newly re-elected U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth should have the major say in recommending nominations for two federal judgeships in Kentucky, attorneys familiar with the process say.

The president normally consults with the senior senator of his own party before making a nomination, but both of Kentucky's U.S. senators are Republicans, leaving Yarmuth, of the 3rd District, as the likely kingmaker after fellow Democrat Ben Chandler lost his 6th District seat on Tuesday to Republican Andy Barr.